Category: Lifestyle

There are over 80 cellar door experiences in the Barossa, with wine made from some of the oldest vines in the world. But the internationally-acclaimed wine region is about more than just grapevines. There’s also some of the best food experiences and luxury stays right on your doorstep.

wine

Recognised as the ‘birthplace’ of The Barossa Valley, Château Tanunda is a historical display of winemaking in the region. While the Geber family have been producing Australian wines for 24 years, the Chateau itself has been standing tall for more than 130. Various winemaking legends have worked the cellars of the Chateau, with the winemaking now led by one of the Drinks Business Top 100 Winemakers of the World, Neville Rowe. The distinctive architecture of the estate is impressive enough, however it’s the esteemed Old Vines Expressions and The Everest wines that offer that extra prestige. Sip away on the flavours of The Barossa’s finest fruits while looking out to 350 acres of vineyards. Book in for a Château experience, from tours to tastings, or stay the night at The Barossa Vineyard Guesthouse nestled within the valley.

Château Tanunda
9 Basedow Road, Tanunda
08 8563 3888
@chateautanunda

dine

Hidden away amongst the vineyards, you’ll find the elegant Vintners Bar & Grill. This restaurant represents The Barossa region in its finest form with delicious food and locally-made wines. Surrounded by some of the best produce the country has to offer, chef Peter Clarke has crafted a menu specialising in modern Australian cuisine. Located next door to The Barossa Farmer’s Market, when new harvest comes into season you can be sure that the Vintner’s chefs are the first to have it on their menu. With an atmosphere that’s warm and sheltered in the winter and serene and bright in the summer, there is a reason why Vintners is one of the longest operating restaurants in the Barossa Valley.

Vintners Bar & Grill
752 Stockwell Road, Angaston
08 8564 2488

stay

Growing grapes and making small-batch artisanal wine from historic Barossa vines is the DNA of Tomfoolery Wines, but a fully renovated B&B cottage completes the experience.

Renowned for producing wines that are aromatic, floral and with an intense depth of flavour, Tomfoolery’s husband and wife team have an approach to winemaking that is both modern and traditional.

From indigenous yeast fermentation to basket pressing and wine that is matured in-barrel, it’s a low-intervention technique that ensures each bottle reflects the individual characteristics of the vineyard, and of course, the fruit itself. 

Chief winemaker and Tomfoolery co-owner, Ben Chipman, calls the philosophy ‘old world simplicity in a new world of wine’. 

“The fruit from our selected vineyards is hand-picked and fermented in small open fermenters, which are pumped over by hand twice daily. Our wines are matured in barrel, stacked in pyramids on traditional stillage and bottled with no fining or filtration.”

As a result, Tomfoolery’s wines are routinely listed as some of the best value for money wines in Australia, including their ‘Artful Dodger’ Shiraz, which was first produced back in 2004 by Ben and his best mate Toby Yap.

Now with 16 different wines to choose from they’ve expanded to include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Grenache and Tempranillo, which Ben fell in love with during several vintages in Spain. 

“I really want those pretty and aromatic flavours and smells, and I want a bit of depth in there as well. When you’ve got a bit of both, I think that’s what makes a really great drink.”

A product of the Rockford Wines academy, where he and wife Sarah both worked under legendary figures Robert O’Callaghan and Chris Ringland, they took the plunge and purchased Tomfoolery Wines’ home in Light Pass back in 2011, turning it into the state-of-the-art facility it is today.

Dating back to the 1940s, the 20-acre property is inclusive of a fully renovated B&B cottage and a by-appointment cellar door experience that takes you into the heart of the winery, as well as their fruit and vegetable orchard. A two-night stay will get you all the luxury trimmings, and there’s even a helipad for anyone looking to make a statement.

Tomfoolery Wines 
517 Stockwell Road, Lights Pass
08 8564 2214

shop

When Carol Dadds stumbled across a box of leather hides and working tools at her mother’s house, little did she know that this was a glimpse into her future working life. With generations of leather craftsmanship in her family, it wasn’t such a surprise that she was continue in their footsteps. Today, she crafts an endless list of leather goods, including beautiful bags, purses, clutches, wine bottle carriers, satchels, leather bar stools, knife rolls, belts, journals and more. What she loves most about leather is that with each hide comes their own scarring and marks, ensuring each piece tells a story. Much like our own lives and her designs, original and unique.

Sunshine Barossa Australia
8 Stockwell Road, Barossa Valley
0400 020 061
@sunshinebarossa

Images by Meaghan Coles

World-class wine, a plethora of gourmet restaurants serving up fresh, local produce, decadent and boutique accommodation options to suit every traveller, plus 30 kilometres of pristine coastline just waiting to be discovered in The McLaren Vale.

luxury getaway

Located in the Sellicks foothills is a spectacular piece of the mid-nineteenth century that has been lovingly restored into a luxury accommodation experience. The retreat comprises two unique suites – The Millery and the Granary. These impressive countryside stays are fully equipped with cosy king beds, plush armchairs to relax in, European kitchen appliances and smart TVs. Bathrobes and slippers are also provided, along with full English breakfasts for an additional cost. Book in for a relaxation massage at the onsite Hidden Beauty salon, or just eat, drink and unwind while taking in the incredible views. 

The Old Chaff Mill Retreat
371 Plains Road, Sellicks Hill
0412 186 33
@oldchaffmillretreat

panoramic views

Situated high atop a private hill in Kangarilla, you’ll find the picturesque McLaren Eye. The name was inspired by the sweeping rural vistas that will surround you during your stay and, only a mere 13 kilometres from McLaren Vale, you’ll find some of the country’s best wineries and restaurants on your doorstep. An ideal getaway for two couples, the luxe home boasts two king bedrooms, ensuites and private balconies on each side. In the middle lies the living pavilion surrounded by 180-degree panoramic views. Take a romantic soak in the free-standing bath or visit the Willunga Markets and cook up a storm in the kitchen using fresh local produce. With a helicopter pad on site, travel from Adelaide Airport or day trip to Kangaroo Island (or anywhere along the Fleurieu Peninsula). 

McLaren Eye
36A Peters Creek Road, Kangarilla 
08 8383 7122 / 0409 430 949

sustainable dining

Serving modern Australian cuisine based on the best available ingredients, Leonards Mill proprietors Hayley Pember-Calvert and her husband Iain have created a food destination on the Fleurieu Peninsula that doesn’t just talk sustainability, it lives it.

Housed in what is now a 163-year-old former flour mill, the pair’s ethos goes well beyond a farm-to-fork philosophy and is more accurately described as nose-to-tail, root-to-leaf.

“We buy whole animals and whole plants and use everything, so nothing is wasted. Even our seafood is caught by a local fisherman off nearby Cape Jervis,” explains Hayley. “We only buy what is in season and what grows well in our supplier’s soils, so our menu changes all the time.”

That said, it’s not unreasonable to expect prime cuts of venison, lamb or sirloin beef from just over the road, not to mention Kangaroo Island oysters and the freshest artisanal veggies from their very own permaculture garden. 

Backed up by a wine list boasting SA’s best small-batch family-owned labels, the split-level restaurant — there is also an outdoor area — is open for two or three-course set lunches from Wednesday through Sunday, all year round. 

Alternatively, if a Fleurieu food journey sounds right, the Leonards Mill Experience is a five-course degustation that will only leave you wanting more every Friday and Saturday night.

From there, you can even make a stay of it, but their luxe country cottages do book out in advance, and with good reason.

Leonards Mill 
7869 Main South Road
Second Valley

italian flavour

Well-known around the world for their award-winning Shiraz and Cabernet blends, Serafino Wines is a complete destination for lovers and lovers of wine.

Offering an epicurean romance set on one of the most stunning properties on the Fleurieu Peninsula, Serafino’s Italian heritage permeates their visitor experience. 

First arriving in Australia in 1964, Serafino, aka Steve Maglieri, planted his first McLaren Flat vines in 1968. Soon making his mark as the man behind Lambrusco — the ubiquitous sweet red bubbly of the 1980s and 90s and the number one wine during this time.

Bringing little more to Australia than his knowledge of viticulture and a passion for making great wine, Steve had the foresight in 2000 to plant ten grape varieties native to his place of birth. Taking advantage of a McLaren Vale climate similar to the Mediterranean coast, the result twenty years on is one of the most authentic tastes of ‘the old country’ right here in South Australia!

This year, the 2020 vintage of the much-loved Fiano (perfect with seafood) has already sold out, while the Bellissimo Montepulciano has won ‘Best Mediterranean Wine’ five times in a row at the McLaren Vale Wine Show. 

It’s the type of success that has attracted the best in the business to the winery, and in winemaker Charles Whish and vineyard manager Andrew Godfrey they certainly have that. Steve’s daughter, Maria Maglieri, has also taken the helm as CEO.

Featuring 30 rooms of up to four-star accommodation and a lake surrounded by magnificent Australian gums, the Serafino property oozes La Dolce Vita. Add a world-class restaurant, which is helmed by a genuine Sicilian, Alberto Occhipinti (the winner of two Chef Hat’s awards) and it’s no surprise that their range of experiences are in high demand. 

To start, we recommend you take the short drive on any Friday, Saturday or Sunday and try one of their premium paired food and wine flights. Featuring five of Serafino’s iconic McLaren Vale wines – think oak barrels, chocolate and red currents – paired with a tasting plate of delicious regional flavours, and you’ll be soaking up the spectacular views and the (very) good life in no time.

Serafino Wines
39 Kangarilla Road, McLaren Vale
08 8323 8911

The quaint townships of the breathtaking Adelaide Hills are brimming with cultural discoveries, award-winning wineries (many specialising in cool-climate varieties) and artisan eateries. If you’re a gin lover, you’ll also want to visit some of the region’s most popular distilleries.

but first, brunch

FRED Eatery is the perfect combination of sweet and savoury. The local favourite that specialises in flavour driven comfort food, serving up breakfast, lunch, coffee and cakes, recently took the top spot in The Advertiser’s Adelaide Hill’s Top Café survey with chef Matt Preston. You can even bring your pup along for a doggy biscuit and lactose-free turmeric latte. There’s also an inviting courtyard, mezzanine library and private dining space with affiliated retail outlet, FRED Living, just next door! 

Fred Eatery
22 Mount Barker Road, Aldgate
08 8339 1899
@fredeatery

gin stop

The Ambleside experience begins before you even enter the state-of-the-art distillery – in the botanical garden that the family-owned venue was literally built around. Juniper berries, native citrus and an array of herbs that are grown in the distillery garden and used to flavour Ambleside’s traditional, vapour infused range of craft spirits. 

Capturing the essence of the local produce is part of the founding family’s ethos, and just one of the reasons their uniquely authentic gins are so popular. Complementing the flavours, which are blended together in their Australian-made copper still, and completing the experience is a journey through the character-filled Tasting Room. 

A nine-metre-long reclaimed brick wall and polished concrete floors greet you at the entrance while a large timber deck extends your gaze toward the ensuing view of Hahndorf’s iconic rolling hills. 

Tasting Flights that include three signature gins are a good place to start, while the more adventurous might want to embark on a Gin Blending Masterclass where you will use a mix of botanicals straight from the garden, as well as local and international producers, to create your own unique blend.

Ambleside Distillers
1 Ambleside Road, Hahndorf
@amblesidedistillers

WINE TIME

The second-generation family-owned vineyard is a mere 25 minutes from Adelaide, yet the charismatic stone cellar door and restaurant in the heart of Nairne will have you feeling like you’re a million miles away. 

The winery’s a la carte restaurant, Clover & Stone, boasts a delicious menu crafted by executive chef Chang Koog Lee (aka Cookie). The cuisine is a fusion of fresh, local South Australian produce and Korean flavours. Wild caught Barramundi with orange quinoa salad, braised daikon and jorim sauce, or traditional house-made gamja-jeon Korean potato fritters with miso bechamel, roasted pepitas, macadamia and vinegar glaze are just a few of the dishes you’ll find.

Food aside, there are two other good reasons to add this one to your Hills’ list.  Howard Vineyard actually has two vineyards, each used to produce different types of wine. Howard Vineyard in Mount Barker is a warmer vineyard in a cool climate; the grapes harvested here are used to make Shiraz, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rose and Sauvignon Blanc. Schoenthal (meaning beautiful valley) Vineyard in Lobethal is known for its natural acidity and cool climate, producing some of the Adelaide Hill’s finest Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. 

The winemaking at Howard Vineyard has a meticulous process. Head winemaker Tom believes that picking the grapes at optimal ripeness is the key to achieving vibrant flavours and natural acidity. And so, the winemakers go above and beyond to harvest the grapes at their peak, from handpicking and hand pruning to shoot and bunch trimming and low yields.

There are also wine tastings at the cellar door or you can experience the Amos Tasting, which explores the premium Amos range with a virtual walkthrough of the Howard Vineyard story. Be sure to keep an eye out for Felix, the winery pooch. 

Howard’s Vineyard
53 Bald Hills Road, Nairne
08 8188 0203
@howard_vineyard

’Charcuterie’ technically means a selection of fine meats, but most entertainers also add artisan cheeses, crackers, nuts and other produce to add visual interest and, of course, to build on the flavour. Unley Shopping Centre has everything you need to create the perfect platter for your next event.

THE PLATTER

A rustic hardwood timber cutting board is the best choice, while marble boards are also popular. The shape is a matter of preference but remember the bigger the board, the more meats, cheeses and fresh produce you’ll need.

CURED MEATS

A cured selection of well-presenting meats like prosciutto, smoked sausages and salami work well. Spreadable meat such as pate are also common additions. 

ARTISAN CHEESES

Include cheeses with contrasting flavours, such as a hard cheese, soft cheese and blue cheese. Cut some small shards off and scatter around to add texture.

THE FILLERS

Fresh crusty bread, crackers and breadsticks can be stacked to add height, while fresh local in-season fruit will give your board a pop of colour. Small bowls filled with nuts, olives or dips can be used to anchor the arrangement. Use whatever you have handy, such as small ramekins or glass jars. They don’t have to match! 

Get to know the real Adelaide when you embark on a series of historical and scenic tours, showcasing a range of our city’s most iconic locations. 

Down to Earth Tours offer six walking tours, each showcasing specific parts of South Australia’s culture and history.

Depending on your interests, choose between tours specialising in the foundation of various Adelaide developments, early colonial families, housing and spectacular mansions.

Around the Square: This walking tour focuses largely on the infrastructure of central Adelaide, visiting the Law Courts, GPO, Treasury Building and Adelaide Town Hall.

East End Escapade: It’s an insight into the mansions and manors of Adelaide, located on East and South Terrace. 

Cultural Caper: Uncover how Adelaide became what it is socially and culturally and the foundation of its development. 

Stately Swagger: Highlighting all that North Adelaide has to offer, take a trip back to the 1800s and discover the historic villas and houses and the families who occupied them.

Grand Mansions & Sub-divisions: Discover the mansions of Brougham Place and the Chichester Gardens subdivisions; Stanley, Melbourne and Jerningham Streets.

Hills, Squares & Parklands: Dating back to the 1850s, explore Montefiore Hill, Brougham Place and Palmer Place and their history. 

Director of Down to Earth Tours, Graeme Fanning has extensive knowledge of Adelaide’s heritage and delves into many cultural highlights and stories. 

Starting and ending locations are specified and tours can be run weekdays from 10 am to 12 pm. 

Each tour runs for 90 minutes and the costs are $30 for adults, $25 for concession and $20 for children. 

Enquire online to book your ‘tour for the soul’. 

Down To Earth Tours 

0416 824 778

@downtoearthtours

The Marion Hotel may not be like you remember, and it is definitely a place you won’t forget.

The Marion Hotel caters for so many occasions. Catch up for a delicious meal with friends in the garden, watch the AFL and have a game of billiards in The Shed, wine and dine in the dining room or stay the night in one of the industrial chic hotel rooms. Party, relax, socialise, experience – The Marion Hotel goes above and beyond your average pub. 

It was recently named South Australia’s Best Hotel for a reason. After undergoing a makeover in 2019, The Marion Hotel has become a landmark of hotel design. 

The hotel’s unique character and atmosphere are unlike any other – a funky pink neon sign hanging on the wall and fascinating interior design hint at the uber cool interior. With a burning passion for doing things differently, The Marion Hotel favours quirkiness over conservatism.

There is something for everyone, with tastings in the on-site bottle shop, live music in the garden on Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday, or quiz nights in The Shed. The food is adventurous but has something for everyone. The drinks are both classically refined and excitingly experimental. The entertainment is always new and exciting.

The Marion have totally flipped what it means to have a hotel function room. The Secret Garden captures the outdoor splendour of a coastal garden; the perfect place for a 21^st birthday or Sunday morning yoga brunch club. The Glasshouse is full of natural light and is perfect for networking. The Terrace is a dynamic space for presentations and parties. The Shed is for those casual get-togethers and Friday knockoffs. As a complete package, these spaces make The Marion an innovator in the function space.

There are also 62 contemporary and eccentric hotel rooms to choose from, making it the place to play and stay. 

As a South Australian owned and operated business, supporting local suppliers is also a must. With an elaborate selection of South Australian craft beers and wines, the best the state has to offer is right at your fingertips. 

Whether you’re a local returning to your favourite revamped venue or a new face looking to try something different, The Marion Hotel will become your new home away from home. 

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The Marion Hotel

849 Marion Road, Mitchell Park

A community tradition since 1957, the Barossa Vintage Festival has become embedded in the local culture, bringing the streets of the region to life each and every year. 

Supporting local producers, performers and farmers, and showcasing everything the region has to offer with a program of over 50 activities, this five-day long event is one not to miss.

Barista Brewer Wine Cycle Tour 

Indulge in locally produced coffee, beer, wine and cake, and don’t feel guilty about it. This 20km Wine Cycle Tour will take you on a journey through the north of the Barossa Valley, stopping at some of region’s most picturesque vineyards and historical sites. 

Date: April 14^th-16^th

Time: 10am-3:30pm
Location: Barossa Bike Hire, 5 South Terrace, Nuriootpa 

Cost: $195 

Vintage Festival Garden 

This event has everything you need for a perfect afternoon in one location: a pop-up wine bar, artisan workshops, lawn games, picnic packs and live music. Spend the day lounging around with friends and family while soaking up the vintage vibes and Barossa atmosphere. 

Date: April 14^th-18^th

Time: 9am-6pm

Location: Barossa Visitor Centre, 66-68 Murray Street, Tanunda 

Artful Encounters

Watch four local artists let their creative side loose at Artful Encounters. Helen, Ann, Merita and Ava splash colourful and vibrant paints on to bare canvases and create something incredible. 

Date: April 14^th-18^th

Time: 10am-4pm

Location: Old Union Chapel, Penrice Road, Angaston 

Ziegermarkt – Old World Charm 

It’s a blast to the past at the Ziegermarkt. Transport yourself to the 1800s and experience the atmosphere of live markets. Here you have a chance to bid on fresh local produce, preserves and smallgoods in the traditional bygone manner.

Date: April 15^th

Time: 8am-11am

Location: Goat Square, Cnr John & Maria Streets, Tanunda

2021 Vintage Shiraz Gin Making 

If you’re a gin lover, this one is for you. Using premium vintage 2021 Shiraz grapes, create your own Shiraz gin flavour. Finish the day with a three-course lunch paired with some of Seppeltsfield most popular wines. 

Date: April 15^th-18^th

Time: 10:30am-2:30pm

Location: Barossa Gin School, 50 Pheasant Farm Road, Nuriootpa

Cost: $395 pp for a station, $295 pp for a shared station

Barossa Vintage Festival Ball 

This black-tie ball will be held in Seppeltsfield’s 1920s cellar and split into a two-part celebration. The first part of the evening will commemorate the 2021 winners of the Young Ambassadors for the Barossa. The second part will begin will a dinner prepared by Events Chef Owen Andrews, paired with Seppeltsfield wines. 

Date: April 17^th

Time: 8pm-late

Location: Seppeltsfield Winery, 730 Seppeltsfield Road, Seppeltsfield

Cost: $99 (additional $15 for Young Ambassador Presentations)

Jamfactory Seppeltsfield Workshop

Local ceramic artist Sonya Moyle demonstrates her technique and displays her talent in the Jamfactory workshop. You’ll have the opportunity to decorate the ceramics using coloured underglazes and learn from one of the best the Barossa Valley has to offer. 

Date: April 18^th

Time: 11am-2pm

Location: Seppeltsfield Winery, 730 Seppeltsfield Road, Seppeltsfield

Cost: $36.50

Visit www.barossavintagefestival.com.au to purchase tickets or plan your weekend at The Barossa Vintage Festival.